I am a hero of the former civilization.

So Ryan wasn't exactly letting up, but he didn't go all out either.

"Leave a way out for others, so you can meet again in the future. Playing with fire requires skill, and coincidentally, I'm best at playing with balance."

Ryan felt like he was sitting on the crater of a volcano, with meteors falling intermittently overhead. He couldn't afford to be hit by a meteor or cause the volcano beneath him to erupt. He touched his forehead, finding it quite a challenge.

Mei, unaware of his thoughts, said somewhat displeased, "The First Divine Key has been taken away by Kalis, so my Fire Seed Project has to be postponed."

The First Divine Key, 'Void Treasury', not only replicates the authority of the First Herrscher, but also has a hidden function: it can inject all the information of civilizations. This can be seen as learning from the lessons of previous civilizations. If they had left some legacy, this generation would not be suffering so much.

"This is indeed a problem, but the Fire Seed Project was a last resort. Besides, even without the First Divine Key, it would only take more effort, as there are many mediums for storing knowledge."

"Yes, I'll find a replacement as soon as possible. There's one more thing."

"The issue of the allocation of the Divine Keys?" Ryan guessed what she wanted to say. Including the fifth Divine Key, which was not yet completed, the Firemoth had a total of four Divine Keys.

"You shall take control of the Second Divine Key, 'Thousand Realms One Vehicle.' The research into the imaginary space cannot stop. Now that you have become a Fusion Warrior, you will surely be able to see further. Oh, by the way, what was your awakened ability again?"

Ryan suddenly remembered something: when May jumped out to stop Kalis, she was definitely not weak.

"Using thought, consumables can be transformed into desired goals to interfere with reality," Mei replied casually, adding a whole bunch of obscure and difficult-to-understand technical terms.

Ordinary people wouldn't understand it at all, but Ryan, being a researcher, roughly grasped the meaning.

Simply put, it's about letting mental impulses influence reality, somewhat like the advanced technology in an old mecha anime, except that Mei can start it directly without any engine.

It's rather ironic that an absolutely rational scientist would acquire a kind of metaphysical ability.

"Alright, I won't worry about how to control this power. Let's do this: don't rush to launch the Fourth Divine Key. Tell Velvie that the Fifth Divine Key must consider its combat capabilities. Allocate some more funds to fulfill her wild ideas. As for the 'Seven Thunders of Purification'—"

Ryan raised his head and glanced at Sakura, who was greeting Kevin at the door: "I'll leave the third Divine Key to Sakura. She's a weapons expert, so she should be a good fit."

This can be considered a 'return to its rightful owner'. In terms of speed, Sakura is the fastest, and wielding the indestructible Seven Thunders of Purification would be a significant enhancement, while she herself has no need to use it. She would be enhanced, but it wouldn't achieve a qualitative change.

“I agree.” May didn’t care who she gave the Divine Key to, and she knew that giving it to Ryan would be icing on the cake. “Dr. Viditch from the Third Research Institute has a new report. They have developed a device that can open the barrier between reality and the Quantum Sea.”

After burning through so many resources, the results are finally in!

Ryan immediately perked up. The quantum sea, which is the opposite of imaginary numbers, was one of his important plans, so he listened even more attentively.

According to Mei, opening the barrier would allow people to enter the Sea of ​​Quanta, and they did send people there, but they disappeared immediately after jumping into the sea. Several groups of people lost their lives and countless resources were wasted before they finally found a way.

They improved the device, binding 'reality' to the entrant, somewhat like the cable of a deep-sea research submarine, to pull out the submersible that is invisible to the naked eye. As the research progressed, they also discovered some very interesting things.

The sea is not empty; some things float in it like bubbles, and some bubbles even contain land, ocean, and life. This boundless sea can be seen as the universe, and in the universe, there are also 'planet'.

This has absolutely nothing to do with astronomy; it's a completely new research project.

"Dr. Vidic must be ecstatic; reality is far more magnificent than he imagined."

“It’s very significant, so I participated in the research and made it a top priority. It’s no less important than imaginary space, and it’s even easier to access.” Mei was instinctively excited, but also worried. “I named these things ‘world bubbles,’ but I also ordered that exploration must be cautious and that I be present for every contact.”

"Are you afraid of attracting enemies from the Sea of ​​Quanta?"

"Well, I don't want to be caught in a pincer movement. The Quantum Sea is definitely dangerous. Ryan, what are your thoughts?"

Those eyes were extremely bright, and there was a hint of probing in them. Ryan pursed his lips, but he didn't know how to answer.

He wasn't a stickler for the established lore, and there's a severe lack of information about the Sea of ​​Quanta. The most striking impression he gives is that it's a great place for imprisonment and hide-and-seek; in any case, if you're unsure what to do, just sink into the sea and then do sit-ups.

"The quantum sea is no less than the imaginary space, and it is in opposition to entropy increase and entropy decrease. Collapse energy, that is, imaginary energy, is very difficult to replenish."

"That's about it. Anything else?"

“Those world bubbles could not have formed naturally, because they contain Honkai energy, which conflicts with the quantum sea. This makes people curious about how world bubbles are formed and what happens after the energy is exhausted. You can think about it from the perspective of world collapse.”

"Then?"

"That's all. You'll have to find out for yourselves. But I'll make a special trip there when I have some free time." Ryan saw the disappointment in May's eyes and shrugged. He was also very curious and wanted to use this antagonism to his advantage.

"How about this, we'll focus our research on the World Bubble. If one person can get in, then a million people can too."

Mei understood the idea and flipped through a few pages of the thick report: "You want to use a certain world bubble as a refuge? According to the Third Research Institute's plan, they are going to release Honkai energy into it, and call it the 'Trash Can' project."

"That would be too wasteful. Let's figure out the nature and lifespan of each world bubble first. Besides, given the current situation, war will destroy everything. It's good to leave a way out. How about we call it... the 'Wandering Humans' plan?"

The Nomadic Human Project?

Mei pondered for a moment, her mind racing with calculations, taking into account the combined combat strength and destructive power of both sides, and quickly arrived at a conclusion:

Regardless of the outcome, humanity will lose over 99% of its population, turning the land into ruins and devastation. Even with the Fourth Divine Key, it will be impossible for humanity to survive in the short term.

So regardless of the outcome of this battle, humanity has lost completely, which is why the researchers are so desperate.

“Alright, I will personally carry out this plan, with Mebius and Velvi assisting.”

Which world bubble can sustain human life? This definitely requires research by biologists and modification by engineers, and coincidentally, the Fire-Chasing Moth has such talent.

Since it wouldn't require his own effort, Ryan was happy to agree: "Let's settle this then. What do you think of Alicia's suggestion? How long will it take to complete, and what's the next step after that?"

Mei had already figured out the three questions, but after checking the time, she said, "It's noon. Let's talk while we eat. I don't mean to be lazy. I didn't eat lunch yesterday. A proper intake of carbohydrates can help sharpen my thinking."

"Mei, didn't I bring you food last night?" Kevin had sharp ears.

"My assistants didn't eat yesterday because they were busy rushing to finish the materials, so I gave them some. Anyway, I won't starve to death."

Kevin immediately looked at Ryan, his eyes filled with resentment, making Ryan scratch his face, feeling rather embarrassed.

"Lunch is on me, Sakura. Go check if Mebius is at work. If she is, invite her over too." Ryan stood up, feeling the weight of the responsibility. He also thought of Alicia and the others.

Some are incredibly busy, while others are incredibly idle. We need to quickly finalize the organizational structure and find them something to do, otherwise Kevin will eventually turn to the dark side.

Ryan is much more conscientious than Mebius; he still feels somewhat guilty about treating people like cattle.

So the group simply left the administrative district and went to the underground city, where some family members and refugees had already moved in, and it was gradually becoming more populated.

The Fire-Chasing Moth has always tried its best to maintain human order and keep everyone employed. Otherwise, taking in a group of unemployed refugees would inevitably cause chaos sooner or later. Therefore, commercial activities and the financial system are still relatively intact.

According to Mei, human civilization lies in order rather than appearance. Only by restraining people with the inertia of life and maintaining their previous routines can they avoid causing trouble while doing nothing.

The underground town also has office buildings, factories, and schools. Except that all its businesses are related to the Fire Moth, it is no different from the surface town. Even Ryan doesn't know what classes are available.

It's worth noting that underground shelters have the same setup, so even in the apocalypse, office workers still have to go to work.

But how to put it? Being able to support oneself and find a job is already incredibly precious. People in the abandoned area don't even have the chance to become wage slaves.

Kevin wanted noodles for lunch, so the group found a ramen shop. The owner was from Japan, and the ramen was quite authentic.

Ryan ordered a few side dishes and a bottle of sake, but before they could even start eating, Sakura returned.

"Where's Mebius?"

“She said she had an important experiment, and I also saw Qianjie. I guess she wants to perform a fusion surgery.” Sakura paused, her long, slender brows furrowing. “Should I stop her?”

"Forget it, just give him the power he craves."

"But he wants to challenge you, and that man won't hold back."

Sakura has taken on the role of secretary, and everything she does is for Ryan's safety.

Ryan appreciated the good intention, but only twisted his neck, making a cracking sound.

“I won’t hold back either, and being too idle is always boring. It’s good to stretch your muscles once in a while. You agree, Kevin. Let me check out how you’re developing sometime.”

The young man who was slurping noodles looked up and blinked.

Ah? ?

Chapter 289 I Will Never Be Alone

Kevin didn't know why he was being dragged into this mess. He was still somewhat wary of Ryan, after all, the psychological counseling session he received when he first joined the Firemoth left a deep impression on him; it had really beaten him up back then.

But soon he became eager to try. Kevin had challenged several of the high-ranking fusion warriors and had yet to be defeated. He had brought the super-mutant factor of the mere Emperor-level Honkai Beast to its limit.

"Alright, do you want a group fight or a one-on-one duel?"

Wow, you're pretty brave.

Ryan was joking, but when he saw Kevin's serious expression, he narrowed his eyes. He had forgotten that this was the famous Long Aotian, the hero bearing the title of 'savior'.

However, in this timeline, he was weakened in two ways: firstly, the dosage of the drug was reduced to minimize side effects during the super-transformation surgery; secondly, he lived a carefree life and lacked the darkening effect brought about by the tragic heroism.

However, considering that he and Alicia were able to stop two Herrschers with the same enhanced version, the weakened version shouldn't be too bad.

It seems too much for them to go at it together. It would be embarrassing if they couldn't win. Besides, Kevin has been living too comfortably lately. Should we make him a little nervous?

“The deepest part has been transformed into a weapons testing ground. If you have any needs, I can make arrangements.”

Ryan was still considering when May agreed, which surprised Ryan so much that he turned his head away.

Did this couple have a fight?

No, Mei also noticed Kevin's lack of tension and was preparing to have me increase the intensity for him.

As a close friend, Ryan agrees with this idea. Most people are optimistic and think that eradicating the Honkai is only a matter of time.

Five Herrschers have already been defeated. Even though some traitors have been taken in recently, humans still have the upper hand in terms of strength on paper. The Fire Moths are now united and determined to settle the score.

Only a few people understand that this advantage can be wiped out at any time, and even a single Herrscher can do it.

"Then you make the arrangements, the sooner the better. Also, take this opportunity to prepare some battles for Alicia and the others. I'm afraid they'll get bored." Ryan nodded decisively. Teammates might hold back in battles, but the Honkai won't show any mercy.

“Okay, I’ll arrange a series of training matches. I happen to have an interesting experimental subject recently. There’s not much difference between a high-ranking fusion warrior and a herrscher. I’ll be participating myself.” Mei made the decision immediately, then picked up a piece of pickled cucumber and steered the conversation back to the main topic.

Ryan didn't ask about any interesting experiments and continued listening to her.

“I’ve read Alicia’s suggestion. I’m so glad she came up with something so useful. I plan to divide the Moth of Flames’ army into two parts. One part will be a garrison, managed by various branches, responsible for daily clearing and guarding. Its strength will be roughly equivalent to being able to fight against two Judgment-class Honkai Beasts.”

"One unit is a mobile force, divided into thirteen squads, each squad is assigned a captain and vice captain, and the minimum requirement is that they are warriors who have fused with the 'Honkai Emperor' factor."

Honkai Emperor is considered the threshold, roughly equivalent to an A-rank Valkyrie. Once you reach this level, you can participate in more advanced battles. Of course, you also need to consider combat experience, ability characteristics, mental qualities, and other miscellaneous factors. For example, Werner is not known for her combat prowess.

The pre-civilization was not a fantasy world, and Ryan could not be divided by simple strength levels. For example, the Herrscher of a Thousand was weak enough, but the damage he caused to the civilization was far greater than that of the Herrscher of Flame.

"No wonder you modified the deepest part. Teamwork is more useful than one or two strong individuals. We need to implement it quickly. I have a bad feeling. Now that humanity is so united, the Honkai is about to cause trouble."

Ryan was somewhat uneasy; controlling the progress was indeed not easy. He had to meet the challenges while not going too far.

However, in any case, improving one's own strength is the fundamental solution.

"I'll produce the list tonight. Considering that each fusion warrior has different abilities, personalities, and areas of expertise, I'll try to make it as scientific as possible." Mei didn't try to refuse, but Kevin, who was slurping his noodles, paused, knowing that tonight's date was ruined again.

"Less formalism; they are not loyal to me personally."

“It’s impossible to call everyone back for a meeting at a time like this. Kalis definitely still has confidants hiding. I will gradually allocate troops and try not to affect the front line. If we want to fully reorganize it, we will have to wait for an opportunity.”

“I trust you to handle things. Uh, I need to go back and recuperate this afternoon, so I’ll be going now. Kevin, get ready.” Ryan stood up, slammed a stack of banknotes on the table, and left without looking back.